New York Giants Sterling Shepard Is Having A Stellar Rookie Season
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard is emerging as one of the best young talents at his position. He had another good game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
The transition from college to the NFL has been relatively smooth for Sterling Shepard. He has already become an important part of the New York Giants‘ offense.
Shepard scored another touchdown on Sunday during the Giants victory over the Bears. He was targeted 11 times in the game by quarterback Eli Manning and had five catches for 50 yards. His 15-yard touchdown reception from Manning in the third quarter gave the Giants their first lead of the game. They were able to hold on to this lead and went on to win the game 22-16.
And Eli Manning throws another TD -- 15 yards to Sterling Shepard. Another missed XP, though. Giants up 22-16.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) November 20, 2016
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Shepard has now scored a touchdown in three consecutive games. He has five touchdowns on the season. Even though Odell Beckham Jr. is still considered the Giants’ main receiver, Shepard is showing everyone that he has a lot of talent as well. He’s been one of the impact players for the Giants over the course of their current five-game winning streak.
Manning is starting to target Shepard more frequently. During Sunday’s game against the Bears, Shepard was targeted more times than any other Giants receiver.
It is clear that Shepard is living up to his potential. When the Giants selected him with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, they knew that he had plenty of talent. During his senior season at the University of Oklahoma, Shepard had 1,288 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Giants general manager Jerry Reese saw the promise that Shepard showed in college and decided that he was worthy of a second round pick. So far, Reese has not regretted that decision.
The Giants are going to need Shepard to continue to have the success he’s had in his superb rookie season. This is an offense that revolves around Manning and the passing game. Although running back Rashad Jennings has come alive in recent weeks, the offense does not rely on him like it does on Manning and his group of receivers.
Given the fact that Beckham often garners more coverage from opposing secondaries, Manning will probably continue to look Shepard’s way. It will be up to Shepard to continue to come through for his team.
It will not be surprising if opposing defenses start to pay more attention to Shepard. Considering all of the offensive weapons that the Giants have, however, it is going to be difficult to cover everyone effectively.